Collingwood confident misfiring openers will deliver

West Indies are in the firing line today, in Group D at the Guyana National Stadium – and although England's new power-hitting opening pair have yet to click together after two warm-up victories, captain Collingwood's faith in their abilities is undiminished. England will begin their campaign after pre-tournament successes over Bangladesh and South Africa in Barbados.

But it was Ravi Bopara, unlikely to be picked today, and Eoin Morgan who were mainly responsible for the runs required there. Collingwood, however, has seen enough from both openers to know they will be devastating once unleashed properly.

"We know what Lumb and Kieswetter can do, and they can be very powerful," he said.

"They haven't hit their straps so far, but I'm sure they will."

England were knocked out of their own World Twenty20 by the West Indies at The Oval just under a year ago; yet Collingwood senses things will be very different this time.

"Our batsmen are a lot more powerful than they were a year ago, so potentially we're a lot more dangerous.

"We all saw the innings at Abu Dhabi that Michael Lumb played (for England Lions against England], and that's what we're looking for.

"He puts the bowlers under pressure; he's a real strong hitter. I'm sure once he gets a score on the board, he'll gain in confidence and do well for us.

"We all know what Kieswetter can do, and it potentially gives us a really powerful batting line-up. I'm sure those two guys will come good."

Collingwood is nonetheless not about to underestimate opponents who themselves have the firepower of his opposite number Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Darren Sammy at their disposal.

The presence of former England bowling coach Ottis Gibson as the Windies' new coach is another minor complicating factor.

England, though, cannot afford to show Gibson or anyone else an ounce of sentiment – until they have won.

"Ottis is a very close friend to all of us," added Collingwood. "But we have a job to do, to go out and win this match, and we're confident that if we can play our best cricket against any team we can beat them.

"They've got quite a few match-winners – Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, who has certainly improved as a cricketer.

"They always have that confidence and attitude to let their talent take over – and, of course, this game is all about confidence."

West Indies captain Chris Gayle expects England to turn up with "blood in their eyes" as Paul Collingwood's team scent revenge at the Guyana National Stadium. Gayle has little doubt the opposition will have a point to prove, as well as points to score to try to make sure they progress to the Super Eight stage.Suresh Raina blasted 101 off 60 balls as India beat South Africa by 14 runs and moved into the Super Eights.

Suresh Raina blasted 101 off 60 balls as India beat South Africa by 14 runs and moved into the Super Eights